5 Birds You Might See on a Grand Canyon River Trip

The Grand Canyon is home to countless incredible animals, but today, we’re turning our eyes to the sky! Let’s explore some of the amazing birds you might spot while on a river trip in Grand Canyon.

Ravens
These iconic birds have been the center of myths and stories for centuries—and with good reason! Ravens are medium-sized birds with wingspans typically between 3 to 4 feet. Incredibly intelligent, they often work in pairs to find food. One raven may distract a human (or animal) guarding the food, while the other sneaks in to steal it. They’ve even been known to unzip bags and open containers! If you’re on a river trip and a pair of ravens discovers you’re a potential food source, don’t be surprised if they follow your group for miles. Just remember: ravens are wild animals and should never be fed by humans.

Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Herons are among the largest birds you’ll see in the canyon. They can stand up to 4 feet tall, with wingspans reaching up to 6 feet. With their long legs, curved necks, and sharp beaks, they are easy to identify. In flight, they tuck their legs up and curve their necks into an “S” shape. Look for them wading in shallow waters along riverbanks, patiently hunting for fish and small critters.

California Condor
Once on the brink of extinction, the California Condor is still endangered—but thankfully, some now call the upper Grand Canyon home, especially near the Navajo Bridge. Many of these majestic birds were raised in captivity and released into the wild as part of recovery efforts. Condors are scavengers, feeding on carcasses, and they can travel up to 100 miles a day in search of food. With a massive wingspan of around 9 feet, they’re one of the largest flying birds in North America.

Mallard
Mallards are one of the most common waterfowl in the Grand Canyon. The males are easy to spot with their bright green heads and vivid orange feet paddling on the water’s surface. They graze on aquatic vegetation and can often be seen floating peacefully down the river. Adult mallards typically have wingspans of about 3 feet.

Peregrine Falcon
Seeing a peregrine falcon in the canyon is always a thrill! These birds often nest high on cliff faces and are known for their incredible flying abilities. With wingspans ranging from 3 to 3.5 feet, they’re agile and acrobatic in the air. Peregrine falcons are also the fastest animals on the planet, reaching speeds of up to 200 miles per hour during hunting dives. They feed exclusively on other birds, and watching one hunt is like witnessing a scene straight out of National Geographic.

Keep Looking Up!
Whether you’re rafting through the canyon or hiking its rims, keep your eyes on the skies—you never know what incredible bird might soar overhead. Just remember to observe from a distance and respect the wild nature of these amazing creatures.

Check out these other blogs to learn more about some of these birds!

California Condor

Ravens